Another Year in the Life...

It is December...time to reflect on the past year and marvel at how quickly it has gone by. I am amazed at how differently my life looks now v. just a mere 12 months ago. Let's do a quick review...

Let's see...I quit the food and beverage industry to work for my favorite charity, CRF, requiring a move to Amarillo, TX. My wife and daughter are still in Seattle, where my daughter has dropped out of school to figure out what she wants to do with her life. The dog went through a near-death experience and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a 2-lb tumor in his abdomen (he's only 15 lbs!). I traveled to 5 different countries, including Mexico for the very first time! My visit to our CRF programs in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras was a highlight for me. I was also able to lead a group of New Mexico State Univ. students on a short term mission trip back to Nicaragua, as well as leading another group from Texas to Kenya in July. The summer was capped off by our all-Wu Family reunion in Honolulu. That was an amazing trip, and I picked up a new hobby; Gyotaku, the art of Japanese fish-printing. I also got to preach for the first time in my life at a wonderful church in Oklahoma City, and for the second time in San Saba, TX. Those experiences were enjoyable as I felt connected to the message of hope for our orphans. I hope it becomes an annual event for me.

[Sidebar: That trip to Hawaii showed all of my "hapa" nieces, nephews, and my own kids that the Hawaiian culture is where they belong and feel the most at home. They have never felt at home in either the US or Chinese cultures because they feel they always stick out in both cultures. Hawaii felt like home because they blended in with the locals. I expect a few of them to move there as a result. I also got to see them more as adults than children, and that was fun for me.]

The normal things also happened this past year. My oldest, the boy, is progressing well at his job. He is picking up responsibilities as he picks up skills, and he enjoys the work he is doing. He has the same girlfriend as last year, and they also are progressing down a path of inevitability...you know what that means. She is a sweet girl, and we really are happy for the two of them. She has made it a priority to get to know us and has visited us 3 times since they started dating. He has started prepping for his CPA exams.  Lori continues to work at her two dental offices. She also took specialized training to work as a certified home-care assistant, and is ready to take the state exam for her final step.

Someone asked me why I made the change. I think I did it for several reasons. 1) I was so ready to give back in a greater way, 2) it is a continuation of my decision to say, "yes" to God, and 3) I feel much more satisfaction from my life. It is amazing how God is so faithful to me. Lori and I were worried about how to make ends meet with us having 2 households and way less income, but that has not been a problem. I give that up to God. We have what we need, and we seem to be doing okay.

What will be the theme for 2013? I am not sure where God will lead me, but I think for sure Kenya, Haiti, Nicaragua, Uganda and Zambia...those trips are being set up now. Maybe it is better that I NOT know...I'm just along for the ride!

Chow!